speak ill of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "speak ill of" is correct and is frequently used in written English.
It is an idiom meaning to speak negatively about someone, usually to criticize or insult someone. For example, "It isn't kind to speak ill of people who are not present to defend themselves."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Speak ill of the dead?

The Guardian

— Yes, at last we can speak ill of the living.

The New Yorker

A journalist does not lightly speak ill of the bench.

The Economist

He wanted only to speak ill of himself..

The New York Times - Books

Don't you know not to speak ill of the dead?

The Washington Post

If you speak ill of him, they will kill you".

The Guardian - Opinion

Impolite to speak ill of the career dead.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is rude to speak ill of the dead.

The New Yorker

It feels wrong to speak ill of the president.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Don't speak ill of Mr Lang," she hisses.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

I don't want to speak ill of myself.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Be mindful of the potential consequences of your words. Speaking negatively about someone, even if true, can damage relationships and reputations.

Common error

Avoid using "speak ill of" in situations where constructive criticism is needed. This phrase implies a level of negativity that might not be appropriate for providing feedback or suggesting improvements.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "speak ill of" functions as a verb phrase, describing the action of saying negative or critical things about someone. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage and meaning. The primary function is to express disapproval or criticism.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

94%

Wiki

3%

Science

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "speak ill of" is a common verb phrase used to describe the act of saying negative things about someone. Ludwig AI confirms its correct grammatical standing and prevalent usage, particularly in news and media contexts. While generally acceptable, it's essential to consider the formality of the setting and the potential impact of your words. Alternatives like "criticize" or "disparage" might be more appropriate in formal situations. Remember to use "speak ill of" judiciously, considering the context and potential consequences, and avoid using it in situations requiring constructive criticism.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

disparage

This suggests speaking slightingly or disrespectfully.

denigrate

This emphasizes belittling or defaming someone's reputation.

malign

This implies speaking falsely or injuriously about someone.

defame

This means damaging someone's reputation through false statements.

criticize

This is a more direct and general term for expressing disapproval.

slander

This refers to making false and damaging statements about someone.

vilify

This denotes using abusive or condemnatory language.

run down

This is an informal way of saying to criticize someone.

cast aspersions on

This means to attack the reputation or integrity of.

badmouth

This is a slang term for speaking negatively about someone.

FAQs

How can I use "speak ill of" in a sentence?

You can use "speak ill of" to describe the act of saying negative things about someone. For example: "It is generally considered impolite to "speak ill of" someone behind their back".

What's a more formal alternative to "speak ill of"?

In more formal contexts, you can use phrases like "criticize", "disparage", or "denigrate" instead of "speak ill of".

Is it ever appropriate to "speak ill of" someone?

While it's often considered impolite, there might be situations where it's necessary to "speak ill of" someone to protect others or reveal wrongdoing. However, it's crucial to do so with careful consideration and factual accuracy.

What is the origin of the expression "speak ill of"?

The expression "speak ill of" has been used in the English language for centuries, reflecting a long-standing social taboo against speaking negatively about others, especially in their absence or after their death.